Naples Florida

When the British first started exploring the dark continent of Africa they came across the elephant burial ground legend wherever they went. The legend had it that when an elephant sensed his time was nearly over he made a trek to the fabled elephant burial ground to die. Naples is sort of a burial ground for rich Baptists. The rich Catholics, being of a lower economic class, go to Fort Myers while the mostly poor Lutherans go to some dismal retirement home in some godforsaken place like Minnesota or Wisconsin. For our final day on the
Gulf Coast we made a day trip to Naples and walked 5th avenue to mingle with the rich and famous. Walking the streets of Naples is a little like attending a Riverland Hills Baptist church service. The women all have that dignified, bored, detached look that enables them to look right through you without seeing you. They all sport $65 perfect hair do's, tasteful ear rings and expensive clothes. The fashion look this year appears to be an article that I would call a poncho but they probably call it something else. The men all wore pressed khakis and white golf shirts and wore gold watches that look like they would weigh at least a pound. When the elegant women came to lunch in a group they invariably drove BMW's or Audi's.  I would bet all their children are above average. My reason for living was positively radiant amongst all this glittering fashion and style. I took a few photos along 5th avenue to give you an idea what the shops look like.

Antique Shop in Naples

Outdoor dining in Naples

More outdoor dining

Delicate Flower basking in the sun